A PROUD teenager has received her BTEC Extended Certificate in Public Services from Redditch and Bromsgrove Sea Cadets.

Leading cadet Sophie Thompson, aged 17, gained a merit pass which is the equivalent to four B grade GCSEs.

She gained the qualification through the hard work she has put into the Sea Cadets, by gaining water-borne, leadership and instructional methods training.

The Vocational Qualification Officer for the unit, Midshipman (SCC) James Sanders RNR said " Cadets over the age of 16 can gain a BTEC through us at no cost.

"The skills that we teach them help them to gain national recognised qualifications which will boost their employment opportunities and help them with further educational prospects.

"We are very proud of Sophie, as she has worked extremely hard to achieve this great result."

Redditch and Bromsgrove Sea Cadets are currently recruiting for adult volunteers, and cadets, to join in the new year. For more information visit sea-cadets.org/redditchbromsgrove.